Still not getting space flight

[pemmons1]

One of the icons in a circle around the mouse pointer pointing to a distant planet apparently allows us to set a course to that planet. But how is this supposed to work? After setting a course in this way and flying into orbit, I can't move anywhere at all, only hover in place.

The way I've managed to fly from planet to planet is to adjust the map so that the destination is in a stable position on the screen, aim the tiny square over the planet, and keep pressing W to fly in that direction. It gets the job done, but there must be an easier way. I'm such an inept space pilot that I dare to visit other planets only when necessary. Any suggestions would be welcome.

[teron]

Originally posted by pemmons1:

The way I've managed to fly from planet to planet is to adjust the map so that the destination is in a stable position on the screen, aim the tiny square over the planet, and keep pressing W to fly in that direction. It gets the job done, but there must be an easier way. I'm such an inept space pilot that I dare to visit other planets only when necessary. Any suggestions would be welcome.

That is the way, since the w key will point Icarus to where the mouse is pointing.
So usually it is fly for a bit, then w key to reorient on the planet that your moused over. Because since planets move around the solar system, and this is not kerbel space program where you have to pay attention to orbital mechanics.

Edit: Just as always with space flight, remember to carry extra fuel and warpers (once unlocked)

[pemmons1]

Then what is the point of setting a course with that icon?

[teron]

Originally posted by pemmons1:

Then what is the point of setting a course with that icon?

By setting a course, do you mean the line that shows between you and the target star/planet that you want to go it? Basically that is just a navigation line as a the thing you want to fly to is this way.

[Stormwind]

Remember to press shift to boost speed

[josmith7]

Originally posted by teron:

Originally posted by pemmons1:

Then what is the point of setting a course with that icon?

By setting a course, do you mean the line that shows between you and the target star/planet that you want to go it? Basically that is just a navigation line as a the thing you want to fly to is this way.

I remember when they added that - it did make navigation so much easier; just following that line.


Before, you'd take off (get 1,000 km [edit: 1,000 m] or so up, so you wouldn't fall back to the planet) then start slowly panning the camera around trying to catch sight of the label of the planet you wanted to visit. Given your limited field of view you might need to spin around a couple of times - and try consulting the system view may - just to determine which way to go. So it might take nearly a full minute each trip just orienting yourself!!

While I'd love an auto-pilot that would automatically follow the navigation line just having that line added to the game was a massive improvement.

[HO ANU]

Originally posted by pemmons1:

Then what is the point of setting a course with that icon?

Try reaching a planet without setting a course and see how that will go.

[JuryCyber]

Originally posted by josmith7:

Originally posted by teron:

By setting a course, do you mean the line that shows between you and the target star/planet that you want to go it? Basically that is just a navigation line as a the thing you want to fly to is this way.

I remember when they added that - it did make navigation so much easier; just following that line.


Before, you'd take off (get 1,000 km or so up, so you wouldn't fall back to the planet) then start slowly panning the camera around trying to catch sight of the label of the planet you wanted to visit. Given your limited field of view you might need to spin around a couple of times - and try consulting the system view may - just to determine which way to go. So it might take nearly a full minute each trip just orienting yourself!!

While I'd love an auto-pilot that would automatically follow the navigation line just having that line added to the game was a massive improvement.

So true and I once set a course to a targeted planet, pressed the warp button and off i went. Right as the warp started, i left for a quick moment to get something to eat in the kitchen, which took me about 10 mins or so before i realized like wait, i am in warp mode. Rushed back to the PC just to find out that i landed on the planet that i was going to. Bro, like what are the odds of that...... so shocked but nerve wrecked

[pemmons1]

Originally posted by HO ANU:

Originally posted by pemmons1:

Then what is the point of setting a course with that icon?

Try reaching a planet without setting a course and see how that will go.

This is what I've always done, because if I set a course I can't move at all.

[Stormwind]

Originally posted by pemmons1:

Originally posted by HO ANU:

Try reaching a planet without setting a course and see how that will go.

This is what I've always done, because if I set a course I can't move at all.

Still?

Are you pressing shift to gain speed?

[pemmons1]

Perhaps I don't know how to recognize when I'm ready to travel to another planet. The last trip I made was merely to the gas giant, which should be easy, but I had the same problem-- couldn't move-- even without setting a course. Pressing shift did nothing. At last (probably by pressing space and W a few more times) I briefly saw a message like "sailing initiated" and then could get going. How do you know you're in orbit, and is there a difference between being in orbit and being able to set off for to your destination planet?

It occurs to me that in one's present position, the direct line to the destination planet might go through the embarcation planet, Is it then necessary to move around until the planet is visible before "sailing"?

[josmith7]

Originally posted by pemmons1:

Perhaps I don't know how to recognize when I'm ready to travel to another planet. The last trip I made was merely to the gas giant, which should be easy, but I had the same problem-- couldn't move-- even without setting a course. Pressing shift did nothing. At last (probably by pressing space and W a few more times) I briefly saw a message like "sailing initiated" and then could get going. How do you know you're in orbit, and is there a difference between being in orbit and being able to set off for to your destination planet?

It occurs to me that in one's present position, the direct line to the destination planet might go through the embarcation planet, Is it then necessary to move around until the planet is visible before "sailing"?

Sounds like you're not reliably getting high/fast enough to engage sail mode - which is what you need to fly between planets. So you need to see that sail engaged message.

I wouldn't just press space and W a few times - I'd hold them down until sail mode engaged, then pitch up so you're climbing away from the planet.


If the direct line to your destination goes through the planet you don't have to fly around it first before engaging sail; you can go straight to sail mode and climb out of the atmosphere and only then (at the higher speeds sail allows) detour around the planet to get on course to your destination

[Marakith]

Easiest way... take off holding space, build up a bit of speed flying over the planet, then press and hold space until you enter sail mode, once sailing, press shift to accelerate.